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Grajales-Reyes JG, Chen B, Meseguer D, Schneeberger M. Burning Question: How Does Our Brain Process Positive and Negative Cues Associated with Thermosensation? Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38536114 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00034.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Whether it is the dramatic suffocating sensation from a heat wave in the summer or the positive reinforcement arising from a hot drink on a cold day; we can certainly agree that our thermal environment underlies our daily rhythms of sensation. Extensive research has focused on deciphering the central circuits responsible for conveying the impact of thermogenesis on mammalian behavior. Here, we revise the recent literature responsible for defining the behavioral correlates that arise from thermogenic fluctuations in mammals. We transition from the physiological significance of thermosensation to the circuitry responsible for the autonomic or behavioral responses associated with it. Subsequently, we delve into the positive and negative valence encoded by thermoregulatory processes. Importantly, we emphasize the crucial junctures where reward, pain, and thermoregulation intersect, unveiling a complex interplay within these neural circuits. Finally, we briefly outline fundamental questions that are pending to be addressed in the field. Fully deciphering the thermoregulatory circuitry in mammals will have far-reaching medical implications. For instance, it may lead to the identification of novel targets to overcome thermal pain or allow the maintenance of our core temperature in prolonged surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose G Grajales-Reyes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Bandy Chen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - David Meseguer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Marc Schneeberger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
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2
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Fischer S, Naegeli K, Cardone D, Filippini C, Merla A, Hanusch KU, Ehlert U. Emerging effects of temperature on human cognition, affect, and behaviour. Biol Psychol 2024; 189:108791. [PMID: 38599369 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Human body core temperature is tightly regulated within approximately 37 °C. Global near surface temperature has increased by over 1.2 °C between 1850 and 2020. In light of the challenge this poses to human thermoregulation, the present perspective article sought to provide an overview on the effects of varying ambient and body temperature on cognitive, affective, and behavioural domains of functioning. To this end, an overview of observational and experimental studies in healthy individuals and individuals with mental disorders was provided. Within body core temperature at approximately 37 °C, relatively lower ambient and skin temperatures appear to evoke a need for social connection, whereas comparably higher temperatures appear to facilitate notions of other as closer and more sociable. Above-average ambient temperatures are associated with increased conflicts as well as incident psychotic and depressive symptoms, mental disorders, and suicide. With mild hypo- and hyperthermia, paradoxical effects are observed: whereas the acute states are generally characterised by impairments in cognitive performance, anxiety, and irritability, individuals with depression experience longer-term symptom improvements with treatments deliberately inducing these states for brief amounts of time. When taken together, it has thus become clear that temperature is inexorably associated with human cognition, affect, and (potentially) behaviour. Given the projected increase in global warming, further research into the affective and behavioural sequelae of heat and the mechanisms translating it into mental health outcomes is urgently warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fischer
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Kathrin Naegeli
- University of Zurich, Department of Geography, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Cardone
- University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Department of Engineering and Geology, Chieti, Italy
| | - Chiara Filippini
- University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Department of Engineering and Geology, Chieti, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Merla
- University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Department of Engineering and Geology, Chieti, Italy
| | - Kay-Uwe Hanusch
- Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- University of Zurich, Institute of Psychology, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lersch F, Correia PC, Hight D, Kaiser HA, Berger-Estilita J. The nuts and bolts of multimodal anaesthesia in the 21st century: a primer for clinicians. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2023; 36:666-675. [PMID: 37724595 PMCID: PMC10621648 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000001308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review article explores the application of multimodal anaesthesia in general anaesthesia, particularly in conjunction with locoregional anaesthesia, specifically focusing on the importance of EEG monitoring. We provide an evidence-based guide for implementing multimodal anaesthesia, encompassing drug combinations, dosages, and EEG monitoring techniques, to ensure reliable intraoperative anaesthesia while minimizing adverse effects and improving patient outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Opioid-free and multimodal general anaesthesia have significantly reduced opioid addiction and chronic postoperative pain. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of these approaches is limited. This review attempts to integrate research from broader neuroscientific fields to generate new clinical hypotheses. It discusses the correlation between high-dose intraoperative opioids and increased postoperative opioid consumption and their impact on pain indices and readmission rates. Additionally, it explores the relationship between multimodal anaesthesia and pain processing models and investigates the potential effects of nonpharmacological interventions on preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. SUMMARY The integration of EEG monitoring is crucial for guiding adequate multimodal anaesthesia and preventing excessive anaesthesia dosing. Furthermore, the review investigates the impact of combining regional and opioid-sparing general anaesthesia on perioperative EEG readings and anaesthetic depth. The findings have significant implications for clinical practice in optimizing multimodal anaesthesia techniques (Supplementary Digital Content 1: Video Abstract, http://links.lww.com/COAN/A96 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Lersch
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern
| | - Paula Cruz Correia
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern
| | - Darren Hight
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern
| | - Heiko A. Kaiser
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern
- Centre for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hirslanden Klink Aarau, Hirslanden Medical Group, Schaenisweg, Aarau
| | - Joana Berger-Estilita
- Institute of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Salemspital, Hirslanden Medical Group
- Institute for Medical Education, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- CINTESIS@RISE, Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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4
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Stancil SL, Yeh HW, Brucks MG, Bruce AS, Voss M, Abdel-Rahman S, Brooks WM, Martin LE. Potential biomarker of brain response to opioid antagonism in adolescents with eating disorders: a pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1161032. [PMID: 37492067 PMCID: PMC10363723 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1161032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Eating Disorders (ED) affect up to 5% of youth and are associated with reward system alterations and compulsive behaviors. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is used to treat ED behaviors such as binge eating and/or purging. The presumed mechanism of action is blockade of reward activation; however, not all patients respond, and the optimal dose is unknown. Developing a tool to detect objective drug response in the brain will facilitate drug development and therapeutic optimization. This pilot study evaluated neuroimaging as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of opioid antagonism in adolescents with ED. Methods Youth aged 13-21 with binge/purge ED completed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) pre- and post-oral naltrexone. fMRI detected blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) signal at rest and during two reward probes (monetary incentive delay, MID, and passive food view, PFV) in predefined regions of interest associated with reward and inhibitory control. Effect sizes for Δ%BOLD (post-naltrexone vs. baseline) were estimated using linear mixed effects modeling. Results In 12 youth (16-21 years, 92% female), BOLD signal changes were detected following naltrexone in the nucleus accumbens during PFV (Δ%BOLD -0.08 ± 0.03; Cohen's d -1.06, p = 0.048) and anterior cingulate cortex during MID (Δ%BOLD 0.06 ± 0.03; Cohen's d 1.25, p = 0.086). Conclusion fMRI detected acute reward pathway modulation in this small sample of adolescents with binge/purge ED. If validated in future, larger trials, task-based Δ%BOLD detected by fMRI may serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of opioid antagonism to facilitate the development of novel therapeutics targeting the reward pathway, enable quantitative pharmacology trials, and inform drug dosing. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04935931, NCT#04935931.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani L. Stancil
- Divisions of Adolescent Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Innovation, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Hung-Wen Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Division of Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Morgan G. Brucks
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Amanda S. Bruce
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Michaela Voss
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Susan Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - William M. Brooks
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Laura E. Martin
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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5
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Trøstheim M, Eikemo M, Haaker J, Frost JJ, Leknes S. Opioid antagonism in humans: a primer on optimal dose and timing for central mu-opioid receptor blockade. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:299-307. [PMID: 35978096 PMCID: PMC7613944 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-human animal studies outline precise mechanisms of central mu-opioid regulation of pain, stress, affiliation and reward processing. In humans, pharmacological blockade with non-selective opioid antagonists such as naloxone and naltrexone is typically used to assess involvement of the mu-opioid system in such processing. However, robust estimates of the opioid receptor blockade achieved by opioid antagonists are missing. Dose and timing schedules are highly variable and often based on single studies. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of central opioid receptor blockade after opioid antagonism based on existing positron emission tomography data. We also create models for estimating opioid receptor blockade with intravenous naloxone and oral naltrexone. We find that common doses of intravenous naloxone (0.10-0.15 mg/kg) and oral naltrexone (50 mg) are more than sufficient to produce full blockade of central MOR (>90% receptor occupancy) for the duration of a typical experimental session (~60 min), presumably due to initial super saturation of receptors. Simulations indicate that these doses also produce high KOR blockade (78-100%) and some DOR blockade (10% with naltrexone and 48-74% with naloxone). Lower doses (e.g., 0.01 mg/kg intravenous naloxone) are estimated to produce less DOR and KOR blockade while still achieving a high level of MOR blockade for ~30 min. The models and simulations form the basis of two novel web applications for detailed planning and evaluation of experiments with opioid antagonists. These tools and recommendations enable selection of appropriate antagonists, doses and assessment time points, and determination of the achieved receptor blockade in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Trøstheim
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Marie Eikemo
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Haaker
- grid.13648.380000 0001 2180 3484Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Siri Leknes
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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6
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Bending and bonding: a randomized controlled trial on the socio-psychobiological effects of spiritual versus secular yoga practice on social bonding. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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7
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Carney J, Robertson C. Five studies evaluating the impact on mental health and mood of recalling, reading, and discussing fiction. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266323. [PMID: 35395034 PMCID: PMC8993009 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Does reading fiction improve mental health and well-being? We present the results of five studies that evaluated the impact of five forms of exposure to fiction. These included the effects of recalling reading fiction, of being prescribed fiction, of discussing fiction relative to non-fiction, and of discussing literary fiction relative to best-seller fiction. The first three studies directly recruited participants; the final two relied on scraped social media data from Reddit and Twitter. Results show that fiction can have a positive impact on measures of mood and emotion, but that a process of mnemonic or cognitive consolidation is required first: exposure to fiction does not, on its own, have an immediate impact on well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Carney
- The London Interdisciplinary School, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Cole Robertson
- Center for Language Studies, Radboud University, Radboud, Netherlands
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8
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Gaulen Z, Šaltytė Benth J, Fadnes LT, Brenna IH, Tanum L. Life satisfaction among individuals with opioid use disorder receiving extended-release naltrexone: A 12-week randomized controlled trial and a 36-week follow-up. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 135:108656. [PMID: 34774396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Life satisfaction (LS) in opioid-dependent individuals is lower than in the general population. This study aimed to explore changes in LS during short- and long-term treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX). METHODS This open-label 12-week clinical trial randomized 159 participants to either monthly XR-NTX or daily buprenorphine-naloxone (BP-NLX). In a subsequent 36-week follow-up study on XR-NTX, participants either continued or switched to XR-NTX. The study collected data on the Temporary Satisfaction with Life (TSWL) and illicit opioid use every fourth week. The research team assessed changes in TSWL by a linear mixed model and growth mixture model. The study assessed relationship between opioid use and TSWL by a linear mixed model. RESULTS Change in LS differed significantly between the groups in both study periods. TSWL scores were significantly higher in the XR-NTX group at week 4 (p = 0.013) and week 8 (p = 0.002). In the follow-up period, the groups were significantly different only at week 16 (p = 0.031) and week 48 (p = 0.025), with the higher TSWL scores in the XR-NTX continued group. Increase in opioid use by one day was associated with a 0.12 point lower mean TSWL score. Both study periods identified groups with low and high LS levels. In the trial period, the TSWL scores exhibited a significant increase from baseline to week 12 in both groups, p < 0.001 and p = 0.011 in the low and high LS group, respectively. In the follow-up period, the TSWL scores exhibited a significant increase from week 16 to week 48 (p = 0.003) in the high LS group, while the low LS group showed persistently lower values throughout that period. CONCLUSIONS XR-NTX treatment given once monthly is associated with higher LS, as measured by TSWL, compared to daily use of BP-NLX. The majority of the participants had relatively low TSWL scores and did not report any change in TSWL during longer-term treatment. The study found a significant association between more frequent illicit opioid use and a low or decreased LS during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanna Gaulen
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 19, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Blindern, Problemveien 7, 0315, Norway; Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Sykehusveien 25, 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway.
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ida Halvorsen Brenna
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Bergen, Christies gate 12, 5015 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Lars Tanum
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Sykehusveien 25, 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway; Department of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 46, 0167 Oslo, Norway.
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9
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Ross LP, Andreescu C, Inagaki TK. Relationships Between Early Maternal Warmth and Social Connection: A Randomized Clinical Trial With Naltrexone. Psychosom Med 2021; 83:924-931. [PMID: 34292204 PMCID: PMC8687105 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early experiences of having received maternal warmth predict responses to opportunities to connect with others later in life. However, the understanding of neurochemical mechanisms by which such relationships emerge remains incomplete. Endogenous opioids, involved in social connection in both animals and humans, may contribute to this link. Therefore, the current study examined a) relationships between early maternal warmth and brain and self-report responses to novel social targets (i.e., outcomes that may promote social connection) and b) the effect of the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, on such relationships. METHODS Eighty-two adult participants completed a retrospective report of early maternal warmth. On a second visit, participants were randomized to 50 mg of oral naltrexone (n = 42) or placebo (n = 40), followed by a magnetic resonance imaging scan where functional brain activity in response to images of novel social targets (strangers) was assessed. Approximately 24 hours later, participants reported on their feelings of social connection since leaving the scanner. RESULTS In the placebo condition, greater early maternal warmth was associated with less dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, ventral striatum, and amygdala activity in response to images of novel social targets (r values ≥ -0.360, p values ≤ .031), and greater feelings of social connection (r = 0.524, p < .001) outside of the laboratory. The same relationships, however, were not present in the naltrexone condition. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight relationships between early maternal warmth and responses to the social world at large and suggest that opioids might contribute to social connection by supporting the buffering effects of warm early life experiences on social connection later in life.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials NCT02818036.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P. Ross
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Andreescu
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tristen K. Inagaki
- San Diego State University, Department of Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
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10
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-second consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2019 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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11
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Charles SJ, Farias M, van Mulukom V, Saraswati A, Dein S, Watts F, Dunbar RIM. Blocking mu-opioid receptors inhibits social bonding in rituals. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200485. [PMID: 33050833 PMCID: PMC7655482 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Religious rituals are universal human practices that play a seminal role in community bonding. In two experiments, we tested the role of mu-opioids as the active factor fostering social bonding. We used a mu-opioid blocker (naltrexone) in two double-blind studies of rituals from different religious traditions. We found the same effect across both studies, with naltrexone leading to significantly lower social bonding compared with placebo. These studies suggest that mu-opioids play a significant role in experiences of social bonding within ritual contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Charles
- Brain, Belief, and Behaviour lab; Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL, UK
| | - M Farias
- Brain, Belief, and Behaviour lab; Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL, UK
| | - V van Mulukom
- Brain, Belief, and Behaviour lab; Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Cheetah Road, Coventry CV1 2TL, UK
| | - A Saraswati
- Traditional Yoga Association, Reading RG30 3DW, UK
| | - S Dein
- Department of Mental Health, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - F Watts
- International Society for Science and Religion, Cambridge, UK
| | - R I M Dunbar
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
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12
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Inagaki TK, Hazlett LI, Andreescu C. Opioids and social bonding: Effect of naltrexone on feelings of social connection and ventral striatum activity to close others. J Exp Psychol Gen 2020; 149:732-745. [PMID: 31414860 PMCID: PMC7021584 DOI: 10.1037/xge0000674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Close social bonds are critical to immediate and long-term well-being. However, the neurochemical mechanisms by which we remain connected to our closest loved ones are not well understood. Opioids have long been theorized to contribute to social bonding via their actions on the brain. But feelings of social connection toward one's own close others and direct comparisons of ventral striatum (VS) activity in response to close others and strangers, a neural correlate of social bonding, have not been explored. Therefore, the current clinical trial examined whether opioids causally affect neural and experiential signatures of social bonding. Eighty participants were administered naltrexone (n = 40), an opioid antagonist that blocks natural opioid processing, or placebo (n = 40) before completing a functional MRI scan where they viewed images of their close others and individuals they had not seen before (i.e., strangers). Feelings of social connection to the close others and physical symptoms commonly experienced when taking naltrexone were also collected. In support of hypotheses, naltrexone (vs. placebo) reduced feelings of social connection toward the close others (e.g., family, friends, romantic partners). Furthermore, naltrexone (vs. placebo) reduced left VS activity in response to images of the same close others, but did not alter left VS activity to strangers. Finally, the positive correlation between feelings of connection and VS activity to close others present in the placebo condition was erased by naltrexone. Effects remained after adjusting for physical symptoms. Together, results lend support to theories suggesting that opioids contribute to social bonding, especially with our closest loved ones. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmen Andreescu
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA
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13
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LeRoy AS, Knee CR, Derrick JL, Fagundes CP. Implications for Reward Processing in Differential Responses to Loss: Impacts on Attachment Hierarchy Reorganization. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2019; 23:391-405. [PMID: 31200625 DOI: 10.1177/1088868319853895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When an attachment relationship is severed, so is homeostatic maintenance, leading to dysregulation of multiple physiological systems. Expanding upon Sbarra and Hazan's original model, we suggest that the degree to which an individual's physiological systems remain dysregulated depends on the state of one's attachment hierarchy-namely, whether an individual continues to seek a lost partner for support as their primary attachment figure. To recover from the loss of a romantic partner, an individual's attachment hierarchy must be reorganized. Our model proposes that an individual will go through a series of physiological changes before their attachment hierarchy is reorganized, which can either help or hinder their recovery. We consider the role of reward processing, including endogenous opioids, in this recovery process. Along the way, we identify mechanisms for continued dysregulation of biological systems among those who take longer to recover from a loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.,University of Houston, TX, USA.,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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